Subject : Mathematics

Awarding body:  Edexcel:

Specification AS (8371) / A2 (9371)

There are two routes for attaining an A level in Mathematics.  The standard route is outlined below but those who wish to take Further Mathematics will need to complete all six units in Year 12.

Course content and examination requirements:

AS Level Course content:

At this level you will study two pure mathematics units (C1 and C2) and a statistics unit (S1). 

In pure mathematics algebra and trigonometry are continued in greater depth and the techniques of Calculus are further developed.In statistics, there is work on probability and representing data.  New topics such as correlation, regression, discrete randomvariables and the Normal distribution are introduced.

A2 level Course content:

Three further units are studied, two pure units (C3 and C4) and an applied unit (usually a mechanics unit (M1) Units C3 and C4 extend the topics studied at AS level and vector theory is introduced. In mechanics, basic principles of Newtonian Mechanics are introduced and topics such as equations of motion, moments and momentum are covered.

A2 Level Assessment:

Each unit is assessed by one examination paper lasting 1 hour 30 minutes. Each paper has equal weighting (16.67% of A level).

C1 is a non-calculator examination

Year 12 - AS Units Year 13 - A2 Units (full GCE)

Unit C1

Unit C1:  One hour thirty minutes examination (33.33% of AS/16.67% of A level).  No calculator may be used.

Unit C3

Unit C3:  One hour thirty minutes examination (16.67% of A level).

Unit C2

Unit C2:  One hour thirty minutes examination (33.33% of AS/16.67% of A level).

Unit C4

Unit C4:  One hour thirty minutes examination (16.67% of A level).

Unit S1

Unit S1:  One hour thirty minutes examination (33.33% of AS/16.67% of A level).

Another applied unit

One hour thirty minutes examination (16.67% of A level).

Entry requirements: 

A minimum GCSE Grade A in Mathematics is required.

Relevance to further studies and careers:

An A level in Mathematics is not only useful for all those interested in the Sciences, Business and Economics, Medicine and Geography, but it also provides a broader education for those interested in Arts subjects. 

Choosing Mathematics at an advanced level opens many career opportunities and an A level Mathematics qualification is highly regarded by Universities.

Teaching staff / further information: 

Please contact Mrs M Collett (Head of Mathematics).

All members of the department are involved in the teaching of Mathematics A level.

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